Weddings Blog

By Kieran Kern The sparkle of snow, glowing candles and a crackling fire are hallmarks of an enchanting winter’s evening. While Houston’s weather may not warrant a one-horse open sleigh, brides and grooms-to-be can still harness all the enchantment of winter without the plunging temperatures. Keely Thorne of Keely Thorne Events parlayed her background in events planning into a near-decade of making couples feel like guests at their own fabulous one-of-a-kind weddings. Winter Wear...

By Nancy Mattia What could be better than saying “I do” in the sunshine, with warm breezes and blue skies creating the perfect setting? It’s idyllic, all right, but it also needs to be curated beforehand, with permits, bug spray and microphones. Find out how to make an outdoor ceremony or reception go off without a hitch. Get a Permit If you love the idea of getting married amid nature in one of Houston’s city properties , such as Hermann Park’s Cherie Flores...

By Nancy Mattia Many things in life are hard — putting together a seating chart for your wedding reception doesn’t have to be one of them. Before you start building a chart, make sure you really need one. Less than 50 guests? You can skip it — with such an intimate group, no one will have a hard time finding a place to sit. But if you’re inviting more than 50 guests, do organize the seating; without direction, guests may look like they’re playing an adult...

By Kieran Kern Whether a confection in buttercream or a construction in fondant, the wedding cake is an opportunity for the newly married couple to share their personality and passion with their guests. While multitiered visions in white will never go out of style, Houston brides and grooms have been working with their cake designers to tap into their creativity for cakes that show true Texan flair. Since 1980, brides and grooms have gone to Susie Edwards of Susie’s Cakes &...

by Nancy Mattia Since restaurants are where people traditionally go to celebrate a special occasion or milestone, it makes sense to commemorate your wedding at one too. With Houston’s reputation as a foodie’s paradise, a reception at a restaurant, cafe or bistro is the tastiest way to customize your big day. Here’s why you should consider one. You dislike traditional wedding food. If serving shrimp cocktail and prime rib at your local banquet hall doesn’t get you...

By Kieran Kern It seems that as soon as the engagement ring is slipped on your finger, your calendar begins to fill with occasions your closet may not be ready for. Take heart brides-to-be; we won’t send you into the retail jungle without a guide. “There are so many rules out there and we’ve thrown them out the window!” explains bhldn stylist supervisor Anne White. A sister to popular brand Anthropologie, bhldn opened its very first store in Houston – and...

by Kieran O’Brien Kern You’ve said I do, cut the cake and danced all night. Embrace this time to relax and reconnect as a married couple. Running through multiple airports rushing to make connections on the way to your dream honeymoon is the antithesis of what you need to do to unplug. Southwest Airlines has your golden ticket to paradise with several new direct routes from Houston. Cabo San Lucas One of Mexico’s top destinations, Cabo San Lucas is known for its beaches and...

By Nancy Mattia While star billing at a wedding naturally goes to the bride and groom, their winning co-star is the reception menu. Think about it: Guests will probably forget the color of your bridesmaids' dresses, but they'll retain fond memories of the smoked-tomato bruschetta or butternut squash ravioli. We've rounded up some of Houston's most talked-about caterers to get you started on the tasty adventure of picking some tasty morsels. A Fare Extraordinaire Houston...

by Nancy Mattia Serving a specially crafted cocktail at your reception instantly raises the fun factor of the drinks menu. But when you include some ingredients that shout "Texas!", you're customizing the libation with Lone Star spirit! From liquors to garnishes, we've got some ideas to get you started. Pour on the Heat Texas cuisine is known for its kick, so why not extend the fiery flavoring to your featured drink? "Something with spice definitely says...

By Kieran O'Brien Kern Looking to have a wedding without the big cake, bigger dress and even bigger guest list? Intrepid engaged couples can take heart - Houston has ideal venues for smaller weddings that make a big impact. The Bell Tower on 34th Among the breathtaking, detailed architecture reminiscent of exclusive Italian villas and luxurious haciendas of the Bell Tower, fairy-tale weddings can be any size. They have hosted weddings for as few as four people in the bridal garden. For